Cultural Tour in Bhutan in the Land of the Dragon 16 Days

Bhutan's isolation has resulted in its culture and traditional remaining much the same for many hundreds of years. Our introductory Western Bhutan Culture tour will be through the stunning beautiful alpine valleys flanked by steep slopes and terraced pastures dotted with temple. The highlight of tour will be visits to Simtokha Dzong within the tiny capital township of Thimpu and the Taktsang Monastery that clings to a sheer 3,000 foot rock face cliffs. Festival (Tscechus) is held in Bhutan throughout the year at different locations. These festivals are celebration of faith, legends, myths and history of Bhutanese in ancient rituals of colorful dance and music. To co-inside a visit to Bhutan during the festive season would be an added bonus and even better way to observe the unique culture.

Day by Day Itinerary of Cultural Tour in Bhutan in the Land of the Dragon.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and meet our staff/crew at the airport and transfer to Hotel.
Welcome drink and briefing about Bhutan trip, equipment check and relax in Hotel.

Day 2:Arrive Paro International Airport.
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted Bhutan by our representative in Bhutan. After lunch you will visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You will also visit Kyichu Temple, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening you can explore the Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 3: Paro to Thimphu.
After breakfast you will visit the National Museum in Paro, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. In the afternoon, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and absorb the lifestyle of the people. You can also visit some interesting handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu sightseeing.
You will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong, and Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Overnight in Thimphu

Day 5: Thimphu day hike to Tango and Cheri monasteries.
You will drive 12km north of Thimphu to hike to Tango and Cheri monasteries and Cheri monastery It will take almost half day including the time we spend in both the Monastary. Tango Monastery is a Buddhist college, and it's the residence of the Desi Tenzin Rabgye, a young boy who is the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk who built Tango. You will then hike to Afterward, we will return to Thimphu in the afternoon for some further sightseeing and we can further go to visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and Tashichodzong .Overnight in Thimphu

Day 6: Thimphu to Punakha.
You will drive to Punakha. The drive takes you across the Dochula Pass (10,230 ft) which is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten (Buddhist monument) and prayer flags. You will stop on the pass if the weather is clear, you will take in beautiful views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The road to Punakha winds down from the pass, meandering through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, giving you a glimpse of some of the most picturesque countryside in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 7: Punakha to Trongsa.
This morning, we can go to hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten before continuing to Trongsa.You will begin the day by driving to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. In the afternoon you can browse through the Trongsa shops. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 8: Trongsa to Bumthang
In the morning you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. You can spend the afternoon exploring the town.In the afternoon, you'll drive to Bumthang. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. You can spend the evening exploring through Bumthang town on your own. Overnight in Bumthang .

Day 9: Bumthang sightseeing.
You will be spent the day sightseeing in the area, including Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; the Udee woodcarving factory in Jakar; Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating and Tamshing Lakhang where you will see oldest paintings in Bhutan. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 10: Day trip to Ura valley.
Day excursion to Ura Valley. The road to Ura Valley is off the main road, and this enjoyable excursion will provide a nice view of the Jakar Dzong. You'll make a stop in Ura village for lunch and will have a chance to visit the main temple and explore the village. Ura Village has a medieval look to it because of the cobblestone streets, and the typical clothing of the women includes a sheepskin shawl. On the way back from Ura you can stop to see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). In the evening you can visit local shops. Overnight in Bumthang

Day 11: Bumthang day hike to Shukdrag Gompa.
You will hike up the Thangbi Valley to Shukdrag Gompa, a meditation monastery built around a sacred cave in which Guru Rinpoche, founder of Tantric Buddhism, meditated in the 8th century.As you hike through Thangbi village, you will see beautiful traditional farm houses, smiling children, and hard-working farmers. On the way to the Gompa, you will pass a small hut with a stone grinding wheel, turned by water and used by the local people to grind buckwheat. Also depending on the special time of the year specially to observe the festivalwe can walk or drive to Tang valley, including Ugyenchholing Palace.

Day 12: Bumthang to Phobjikha valley.
You'll drive to Phobjikha valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. The drive is through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons. You arrive at Gantey Goempa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. In the afternoon you will visit Gantey Rinpoche's monastery and you can explore Phobjikha valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes.Overnight in Phobjikha

Day 13: Phobjikha to Thimphu.
You'll drive from Phobjikha valley to Thimphu. In the afternoon you can explore Thimphu town and do last minute shopping. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 14: Thimphu to Paro (hike to Tiger's nest monastery)
After breakfast you will drive to Paro. In the afternoon you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. You can also visit some interesting handicraft shops. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 15: Departure Paro.
Welcome back to Kathmandu. You will again be received by SFT airport representative in Kathmandu Airport(TIA) then, you will be escorted to Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 16: Final Departure:
After breakfast depending on your schedule transfer to International Airport for the final Departure.

Our Cultural Tour In BhutanPackage Cost includes;
* Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
* 2 nights accommodation in twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at standard hotel in Kathmandu.
* Guide - guide throughout the tour from arrival to departure.
* Sightseeing - all sightseeing and entrance fees including any festival visits.
* Transport - meet on arrival, airport transfers on arrival and departure and all overland transport within Bhutan.
* Accommodation - accommodation in standard hotels in Bhutan.
* Food - full board throughout the trip in Bhutan
* Office Service charge.
* All Government Tax.

Our Cultural Tour In Bhutan Package Cost doesn't include;
* Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International air fare to and from Nepal and to and from Bhutan.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Visa Fee and Fees for Tourism development Fund (USD 50)
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...

Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.

Customize Your Cultural Tour In Bhutan: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Grades Explanation

Grade (Easy)

Easy trekking by Himalayan standards is generally up to 2000m. There are plenty of ups and downs on well-maintained trails. This type of trip is best suited for those who lead a reasonably active life. The trek takes about 3 to 7 days, walking about 4 to 5 hours a day.

Grade (Moderate )

This involves longer treks (five to ten days) on maintained trails. This type of trek includes day excursions to higher elevations, for which it's advisable to have some previous hill- walking experience. On these treks, we generally achieve an altitude between 900m to 3000m.

Grade (Moderate to strenuous)

A reasonably demanding trek at an altitude up to 4000m with side trips to higher elevations. The trails are sometimes uncharted and away from inhabited areas.

Grade (Strenuous )

These treks must be fully supported. We climb to altitudes between 3500 and 5000m. & there are overnight stays at altitudes above 4000m. For this trek, trekkers should be fit & enthusiastic hill walkers prepared to tackle difficult terrain in remote areas.

Grade (Very Strenuous)

This trek is best described as Alpine, and suitable is suitable for those in excellent health, capable of carrying a backpack, when required. The trek covers very remote areas, traveling over snow-covered passes at an altitudes of up to 6500m. You will need to axes and crampons. No strenuous trek should be undertaken without medical clearance.